The UK City of Culture basked itself in glory and on numerous occasions showed the globe why it's a force to be reckoned with.

We countdown the biggest and best moments from Hull's year in the spotlight which garnered national and international recognition.

Radio 1 Big Weekend

How could we not start with this one?

When Hull was named as the place to host this year's Big Weekend many questioned whether the city could pull off such a huge musical extravaganza.

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But Hull showed it what was more than capable of staging such a spectacle as 50,000 journeyed to Burton Constable Hall over two days to soak in music from the likes of Little Mix, Rita Ora, Katy Perry and many more.

Fans bathed in glorious sunshine throughout and there was a genuine sadness when the hedonistic weekend came to an end.

Crowds at Radio 1's Big Weekend in Hull

After this showing, Hull is definitely in the right place to host more festivals in the future and we can't wait to see what's in store in the years to come.

Hull FC's Challenge Cup Triumph

It was a day etched in rugby league history (well, for one half of the city at least anyway) and one that will be fondly remembered by Hull FC fans for years to come.

It was always going to be a close run affair between FC and Wigan Warriors but the Black and Whites came through 18-14 to write them their name into Hull folklore.

The scenes in the city centre that day were unforgettable and if ever you needed a reminder of how much rugby league means to the city of Hull that was it.

With both clubs back in the Super League next season there will be plenty more unforgettable moments for fans of west and east Hull to enjoy and savour.

New Year's Day fireworks

This probably feels like a lifetime ago now but cast your mind back to when it all started and that AMAZING fireworks display which kicked off Hull's year as the City of Culture.

In With A Bang kicked off Hull's year as the UK City of Culture

Rather than welcoming in the new year with an abundance of explosion, the City of Culture team decided to go 'In With A Bang' by letting them off at 8.17pm (20.17) to mark the occasion.

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In total, 340,000 watched in awe as crescendo of fireworks lit up the skies above Hull to mark the beginning of what proved to be an incredible year.

Hull Pride

After Burton Constable Hall proved itself as the perfect hosts for Radio 1 Big Weekend, it was up to Hull city centre and Queens Gardens in particular to see if it could emulate that success with a slightly smaller but slightly more bonkers event.

Hull's LGBT 50 programme has been a massive success

And after a day of fun in the sun (well, before the rain came anyway!), Hull once again proved itself as capable hosts by putting on a colourful display of unity for

She received £25,000 prize during a glitzy ceremony at The Ferens which will continue hosting all the artists' exhibits until January 7, 2018.

This is an event recognised worldwide so for Hull it was a mighty privilege all the nominees who were up for the prize.

The Queen's visit

It's not every day you get a visit from a reigning monarch but in November, our much-loved sovereign arrived in Hull by train to see what the city has been getting up to during its year in the spotlight.

In a whistle stop tour, she unveiled a plaque at Hull Paragon before meeting workers at Siemens and opening the new £28m Allam Medical Building.

The Queen at the University of Hull as she opened the new Allam Medical Building. (Image: Pictures: Katie Pugh)

She smiled throughout and so did the people of Hull who welcomed her with open arms to their city.

It really was a fabulous occasion and Hull showed the world how to conduct a smooth and successful royal visit.

The City of Culture volunteers

With their standout blue jackets and infectious smiles the City of Culture volunteers really have been one of the highlights this year.

Without them, this year wouldn't have happened and their selflessness has rightly been recognised across the country.

As Hull strives to continue a legacy that will be remembered for generations to come, the volunteers will be at the heart of that operation - and we couldn't think of better people to represent us until 2021.

Hull's City of Culture volunteers were amazing

You all deserve medals and we can't thank you enough.

YOU

Yes, you!

Every day the people of Hull make us realise just how lucky we are to share a city with such a brilliant bunch.

Crowds lining the street

Whether you're a shop owner who has welcomed a stranger into the city, a teacher who has gone above and beyond in the classroom, or a parent who has brought up their children to respect the world, you all deserve recognition.

It's the people that makes a place stand out, and in this city we think we've got ourselves a nice little group who make us proud to be living in Hull day in, day out.